What sort of logic did Imam Mohamed El Sadi (September 18) use when he stated that those behind the production of an amateur film mocking Islam were “really responsible” for the violence against the US embassies and the killing of innocent Americans and Arabs?

The individuals who whip up the masses are far more responsible for encouraging hatred among their perhaps less educated but certainly more volatile supporters who believe their every word.

Those who choose violence and murder instead of reasoned debate have no excuse for their “satanic offences”, as the Imam himself described them.

Is there really no self-control among those who practise the Islamic faith? We choose to write to the media or broadcasters expressing our feelings if they offend our religious beliefs.

We do not go on the rampage killing and maiming people in the name of Christianity.

Islamic faith leaders would be better occupied teaching their own people about the sanctity of human life and then there will be no need for American and other military forces risking their lives to protect their fellow believers, as in Afghanistan and other countries.